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“Scumbag” in jail after running over motorcyclists

LUTZ, Fla. (WFLA) – A 31-year-old Land O’ Lakes man is facing a variety of charges following a serious crash Monday near the intersection of US 41 and County Line Road in Lutz.

Robert Vance is being held without bond at the Pasco County Jail. He is facing one count of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, one count of leaving the scene of a crash involving injury and one count of operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license. Florida Highway Patrol says Vance is classified as a habitual traffic offender.

Witnesses say Vance drove his vehicle over a motorcycle carrying a man and woman before fleeing.

Just moments before the incident, the suspect exchanged words with the driver of the motorcycle – identified as Joseph Philipp Calderazzo – and his passenger, Melanie Ann Milinkovich.

One witness shot video on his cellphone that clearly shows Calderazzo and Milinkovich being knocked from the motorcycle as Vance drives into it.

Abe Garcia shared the video with News Channel 8. He says the people on the bikes are veterans and for this incident to happen on Memorial Day is a shame.

Fortunately the motorcyclists were not seriously injured, suffering a few minor scrapes and bruises, and were treated at the scene.

Vance has an extensive criminal history that includes two stints in state prison. He’s been convicted previously on drug, burglary and felony traffic charges out of Brevard County.